Method and device for an internet radio capable of obtaining playlist content from a content server

Abstract

A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD's, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD's and MP3 encoded CD's and have access to local AM/FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD's and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a) a wireless transceiver capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals enabling the electronic device to receive an Internet radio stream; 
 b) a system enabling playback of an audio content stream of a playlist assigned to the electronic device; and 
 c) a control system associated with the wireless transceiver and the system enabling playback of the audio content stream indicated by the playlist, and adapted to:
 i) enable change of mode of operation between an Internet radio mode of operation and a playlist mode of operation; 
 ii) receive and play the Internet radio stream when the mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and 
 iii) when the mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation:
 receive the playlist identifying a plurality of audio content assigned to the electronic device, wherein the playlist includes information enabling the electronic device to obtain ones of the plurality of audio content from at least one remote source; 
 obtain the ones of the plurality of audio content from the at least one remote source; and 
 play the plurality of audio content indicated by the playlist. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the Internet radio stream includes a Web radio broadcast. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the playlist includes composed audio content. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to enable playback from an optical disc. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a data storage device, 
 wherein the control system is further adapted to enable playback from the data storage device. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 a) send a request to the at least one remote source for supplemental information related to the ones of the plurality of audio content in real-time while the audio content stream is playing; 
 b) receive the supplemental information from the at least one remote source; and 
 c) display the supplemental information on the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the supplemental information comprises information enabling a user to listen to samples of a plurality of audio content. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to receive input from a wireless remote control. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to receive input from a wireless remote control having a navigation shuttle. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to provide an alarm clock mode, wherein the control system is enabled to play the plurality of audio content at a time indicated by alarm clock settings of the alarm clock mode. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 display a list of Internet radio stations when in the Internet radio mode of operation. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 receive and display a recommended audio content. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 provide an option to listen to the recommended audio content. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 provide an option to purchase the recommended audio content. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 enable the electronic device to receive information on promotional items for the plurality of audio content with the playlist. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 enable the electronic device to receive information on promotional items for the plurality of audio content in the playlist. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein playback of the playlist when in the playlist mode of operation is triggered by at least one settable schedule. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one settable schedule is specified by information that comprises a time of day. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein information that specifies the at least one settable schedule further comprises information that specifies the playlist. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein playback of the playlist when in the playlist mode of operation is triggered by the at least one settable schedule which includes a day of the week. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one speaker capable of playing the audio content stream from the playlist and the Internet radio stream. 
     
     
       22. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of audio content in the playlist are capable of being played in a random order. 
     
     
       23. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to display merchandise information on a display. 
     
     
       24. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to display merchandise information for an artist associated with the audio content that is currently being played. 
     
     
       25. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to display merchandise information for an artist associated with at least one of the plurality of audio content that is on the playlist. 
     
     
       26. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to display information on at least one audio content that is from a genre similar to that of at least one of the plurality of audio content that is on the playlist. 
     
     
       27. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to display information enabling the playback of a sample from an artist associated with at least one of the plurality of audio content on the playlist. 
     
     
       28. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of audio content includes songs. 
     
     
       29. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of audio content includes advertising. 
     
     
       30. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is capable of processing spread spectrum radio frequency signals. 
     
     
       31. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein when in the Internet radio mode of operation the control system is adapted to:
 establish an account at an Internet radio site to facilitate receipt of the Internet radio stream. 
 
     
     
       32. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein when in the Internet radio mode of operation the control system is adapted to:
 log into an account before accessing an Internet radio site. 
 
     
     
       33. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a microphone to receive voice commands to control the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       34. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the information in the playlist includes Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) associated with at least the ones of the plurality of audio content on the playlist. 
     
     
       35. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to receive and process software upgrades. 
     
     
       36. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising memory capable of storing preloaded music. 
     
     
       37. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a cell phone. 
     
     
       38. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a portable device. 
     
     
       39. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further being configured to transmit a stream to be played at another designated electronic device. 
     
     
       40. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 change a look of a display. 
 
     
     
       41. The electronic device of  claim 40 , wherein changing the look includes enabling choosing of a skin from a menu. 
     
     
       42. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further adapted to:
 obtain the audio content stream in response to the receipt of the assignment of the playlist to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       43. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device further includes a display, and the playlist is shown in the display as a menu with context sensitive icons. 
     
     
       44. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is capable of turning data mining logging off. 
     
     
       45. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a storage device, 
 wherein a plurality of playlists are stored in the storage device. 
 
     
     
       46. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display having an on-screen keyboard. 
 
     
     
       47. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display which is capable of displaying context sensitive icons and an on-screen keyboard. 
 
     
     
       48. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a codec configured to digitize speech to enable voice calls to be sent to the Internet. 
 
     
     
       49. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the playlist includes metadata associated with the plurality of audio content. 
     
     
       50. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the playlist further includes metadata associated with the plurality of audio content and the control system is further adapted to:
 a) send a request to the at least one remote source for supplemental information related to the ones of the plurality of audio content in real-time while the plurality of audio content is playing; 
 b) receive the supplemental information from the at least one remote source; and 
 c) display the supplemental information on a display of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       51. The electronic device of  claim 50 , wherein the metadata includes album art. 
     
     
       52. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the Internet radio stream further includes metadata associated with the Internet radio stream. 
     
     
       53. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is unable to change the plurality of audio content on the playlist when the plurality of audio content is scheduled to be played. 
     
     
       54. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to present on a display metadata including album art. 
     
     
       55. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is further adapted to process metadata associated with the Internet radio stream. 
     
     
       56. An electronic device comprising:
 a) a wireless transceiver capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals enabling the electronic device to receive an Internet radio stream; 
 b) a system enabling playback of an audio content stream from a playlist assigned to the electronic device; 
 c) a control system associated with the wireless transceiver and the system enabling playback of the audio content stream indicated by the playlist, and adapted to:
 i) enable change of mode of operation between an Internet radio mode of operation and a playlist mode of operation; 
 ii) receive and play the Internet radio stream when the mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; 
 iii) when the mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation:
 receive the playlist identifying a plurality of audio content assigned to the electronic device and wherein the playlist includes information enabling the electronic device to obtain ones of the plurality of audio content from at least one remote source; 
 obtain the ones of the plurality of audio content from the at least one remote source; and 
 play the plurality of audio content indicated by the playlist; 
 
 iv) send a request to the at least one remote source for supplemental information related to the ones of the plurality of audio content in real-time while the plurality of audio content is playing; 
 v) receive the supplemental information from the at least one remote source; and 
 vi) display the supplemental information on a display of the electronic device, the display having context sensitive icons; and 
 
 d) at least one speaker capable of playing the audio content stream from the playlist and the Internet radio stream. 
 
     
     
       57. An electronic device comprising:
 a) a network interface enabling the electronic device to receive an Internet radio stream; 
 b) a system enabling playback of audio content from a plurality of additional content sources comprising a playlist assigned to the electronic device; and 
 c) a control system associated with the network interface and the system enabling playback of the audio content from the plurality of additional content sources, and adapted to:
 i) enable change of a mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation comprising an Internet radio mode of operation to a plurality of additional modes of operation each corresponding to one of the plurality of additional content sources; 
 ii) receive and play the Internet radio stream when the mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and 
 iii) play the audio content from one of the plurality of additional content sources when the mode of operation is a corresponding one of the plurality of additional modes of operation, where when in a playlist mode of operation, the control system is further adapted to:
 receive the playlist identifying a plurality of audio content assigned to the electronic device and wherein the playlist includes information enabling the electronic device to obtain ones of the plurality of audio content from at least one remote source; 
 obtain the ones of the plurality of audio content from the at least one remote source; and 
 play the audio content indicated by the playlist. 
 
 
 
     
     
       58. The electronic device of  claim 57 , wherein the plurality of additional content sources include a broadcast radio source. 
     
     
       59. The electronic device of  claim 57 , wherein the plurality of additional content sources further comprise a data storage device of the electronic device. 
     
     
       60. The electronic device of  claim 57 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 a) send a request to the at least one remote source for supplemental information related to the audio content in real-time while the audio content is playing; 
 b) receive the supplemental information from the at least one remote source; and 
 c) display the supplemental information on the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       61. The electronic device of  claim 57 , wherein the control system is further adapted to provide an alarm clock mode, wherein the control system is enabled to play the audio content at a time indicated by alarm clock settings of the alarm clock mode. 
     
     
       62. The electronic device of  claim 57 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 display a list of Internet radio stations when in the Internet radio mode of operation. 
 
     
     
       63. The electronic device of  claim 57 , further comprising at least one speaker capable of playing the plurality of audio content from the playlist and the Internet radio stream. 
     
     
       64. The electronic device of  claim 57 , wherein the playlist includes metadata associated with the audio content. 
     
     
       65. The electronic device of  claim 57 , wherein the control system is further adapted to:
 display a customized list of Internet broadcast stations. 
 
     
     
       66. An electronic device comprising:
 a) a wireless transceiver enabling the electronic device to receive an Internet radio stream and a playlist assigned to the electronic device; 
 b) a playback system enabling playback of audio content indicated by the at least one playlist; and 
 c) a control system associated with the wireless transceiver and the playback system enabling playback of the audio content indicated by the playlist and adapted to:
 i) enable the electronic device to change a mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation comprising an Internet radio mode of operation and a playlist mode of operation; 
 ii) receive and play the Internet radio stream when the mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and 
 iii) when the mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation:
 receive the playlist identifying a plurality of audio content assigned to the electronic device and wherein the playlist includes information enabling the electronic device to obtain ones of the plurality of audio content from at least one remote source; 
 obtain the ones of the plurality of audio content from the at least one remote source; and 
 play the plurality of audio content indicated by the playlist. 
 
 
 
     
     
       67. A method of operation for an electronic device comprising:
 a) receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals through a wireless transceiver; 
 b) enabling changing of a mode of operation between an Internet radio of operation and a playlist mode of operation; 
 c) playing an Internet radio stream when the mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and 
 d) when the mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation:
 receiving a playlist identifying a plurality of audio content assigned to the electronic device and wherein the playlist includes information enabling the electronic device to obtain ones of the plurality of audio content from at least one remote source; 
 obtaining the ones of the plurality of audio content from the at least one remote source; and 
 playing the audio content indicated by the playlist. 
 
 
     
     
       68. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 a) receiving audio content from a broadcast radio source; and 
 b) playing the audio content from the broadcast radio source. 
 
     
     
       69. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 a) obtaining audio content from a data storage device of the electronic device; and 
 b) playing the audio content from the data storage device. 
 
     
     
       70. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising enabling an alarm to be set. 
     
     
       71. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising receiving and displaying a recommended audio content. 
     
     
       72. The method of  claim 71 , further comprising providing an option to listen to the recommended audio content. 
     
     
       73. The method of  claim 71 , further comprising providing an option to purchase the recommended audio content. 
     
     
       74. The method of  claim 71 , further comprising providing an option to download at least one of the recommended audio content. 
     
     
       75. The method of  claim 71 , wherein at least one of the plurality of audio content is associated with a music genre and the recommended audio content is from the music genre of the at least one of the plurality of audio content. 
     
     
       76. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 receiving input from a wireless remote control; and 
 enabling navigation of the playlist via the input from the wireless remote control. 
 
     
     
       77. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising enabling reception of information on promotional items for the plurality of audio content in the playlist. 
     
     
       78. The method of  claim 67 , wherein playing the plurality of audio content indicated by the playlist when in the playlist mode of operation is triggered by at least one settable schedule. 
     
     
       79. The method of  claim 78 , wherein the at least one settable schedule is specified by information that comprises a time of day. 
     
     
       80. The method of  claim 78 , wherein information that specifies the at least one settable schedule comprises information that specifies the playlist. 
     
     
       81. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising playing the plurality of audio content through at least one speaker. 
     
     
       82. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising displaying a list of Internet radio stations when in the Internet radio mode of operation. 
     
     
       83. The method of  claim 82 , wherein the list of Internet radio stations additionally comprises a description of audio content provided by Internet radio stations on the list of Internet radio stations. 
     
     
       84. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 displaying on a display other audio content by an artist performing currently playing audio content. 
 
     
     
       85. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 a) receiving an advertisement for at least one item from the at least one remote source; and 
 b) displaying the advertisement while the plurality of audio content is playing. 
 
     
     
       86. The method of  claim 85 , further comprising providing an option to purchase the at least one item in response to the advertisement. 
     
     
       87. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 a) sending a sample of an audio content to a remote server while the audio content is playing in real-time; and 
 b) receiving from the remote server identification of the audio content based on the sample of the audio content. 
 
     
     
       88. The method of  claim 67 , wherein the radio frequency signals that are received are in a spread spectrum format. 
     
     
       89. The method of  claim 67 , wherein playing the plurality of audio content indicated by the playlist comprises playing the plurality of audio content in a random order. 
     
     
       90. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising, when in the playlist mode of operation, receiving, by a control system, a command to login to an account before receipt of the playlist. 
     
     
       91. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising, when in the Internet radio mode of operation, receiving, by the control system, a command to login to an account before receipt of the Internet radio stream. 
     
     
       92. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 receiving voice commands at a microphone. 
 
     
     
       93. The method of  claim 67 , wherein the information enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of audio content from the at least one remote source includes Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) associated with at least the ones of the plurality of audio content. 
     
     
       94. The method of  claim 67 , wherein the playlist includes metadata associated with the plurality of audio content. 
     
     
       95. The method of  claim 67 , wherein the playlist further includes metadata associated with the plurality of audio content and further comprising:
 a) sending a request to the at least one remote source for supplemental information related to audio content in real-time while the audio content is playing; and 
 b) receiving the supplemental information from the at least one remote source. 
 
     
     
       96. The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 a) sending a request to the at least one remote source for supplemental information related to audio content in real-time while the audio content is playing; and 
 b) receiving the supplemental information from the at least one remote source. 
 
     
     
       97. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises information enabling a user to listen to at least one sample of the plurality of audio content. 
     
     
       98. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises a title of the audio content and a name of an artist performing the audio content and the method further comprises:
 displaying the title of the audio content and the name of the artist performing the audio content while the audio content is playing. 
 
     
     
       99. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises news related to an artist performing the audio content. 
     
     
       100. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises information identifying at least one album by an artist performing the audio content. 
     
     
       101. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises information identifying at least one audio content that is similar to the audio content that is playing. 
     
     
       102. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises information including at least one sample of audio content. 
     
     
       103. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises tour information identifying at least one location and time at which an artist performing the audio content will be appearing. 
     
     
       104. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information comprises offer information identifying at least one item promoted by an artist performing the audio content. 
     
     
       105. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information includes information identifying at least one other album by an artist performing the audio content. 
     
     
       106. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information includes information identifying recommended audio content similar to the audio content. 
     
     
       107. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the supplemental information includes information enabling the electronic device to play at least one sample of other audio content. 
     
     
       108. The method of  claim 96 , further comprising:
 displaying the supplemental information on the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       109. A method of operation for an electronic device comprising:
 a) receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals through a wireless transceiver; 
 b) enabling the electronic device to change a mode of operation between an Internet radio mode of operation and a playlist mode of operation; 
 c) playing an Internet radio stream when the mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; 
 d) when the mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation:
 receiving a playlist identifying a plurality of audio content assigned to the electronic device and wherein the playlist includes information enabling the electronic device to obtain ones of the plurality of audio content from at least one remote source; 
 obtaining the ones of the plurality of audio content from the at least one remote source; 
 playing the plurality of audio content indicated by the playlist; 
 sending a request to the at least one remote source for supplemental information related to audio content in real-time while the audio content is playing; and 
 receiving the supplemental information from the at least one remote source; and 
 
 e) displaying context sensitive icons on a display.